Window structure



Dec. 8, 1953 M. J. TRACY v 2,661,506

WINDOW STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 30, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. I.

INVENTOR. MICHAEL J. TRACY Patented Dec. 8, 1 953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WINDOW STRUCTURE Michael J. Tracy, Robertson, Mo. Application October 30, 1950, Serial No. 192,940

This invention relates generally to window structures and more specifically to window structures of the louvre sash type, th predominant object of the invention being to provide a window structure which is of such improved construction and arrangement that manual adjustment of one sash of the window structure to open or closed positions by bodily moving said one sash will result in automatic adjusting of another sash of the window structure in a predetermined sequence of operations.

' Fig. 1 is an elevational View of a window structure made in accordance with this invention and looking toward the outer side of the window structure;

Fig. 2-A is a fragmentary, vertical section taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1 and showing the upper portion of the window structure.

Fig. 2-3 is a fragmentary, vertical section taken on line 22 of Fig. l and showing the lower portion of the window structure.

F g. 3 is a fragmentary, vertical section similar to Fig. 2-A but showing parts of the window structure in changed positions.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged horizontal section taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2 A.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, vertical section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, vertical section of the upper portion of the window structure.

Fig. 7 is a horizontal section taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 2-A.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a part of the improved window structure.

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section taken on line 99 of Fig. 2-A.

In the drawings, wherein is shown for purposes of illustration, merely, one embodiment of the invention, l designates the frame of a window structure which is designated generally by the reference character A. The window frame I is of rectangular shape, as is shown in Fig. 1, being composed of a sill portion la, a head portion lb, and opposed jamb portions la. The opposed jamb portions have formed therein at their inner faces channelways 2 that extend longitudinally of said jamb portions from top to bottom thereof.

In the embodiment of th invention illustrated in the drawings, the window frame I has associated therewith three window sashes which are designated by the reference characters to, 3b, and 30, said sashes comprising each a sash frame 4 in which is suitably glazed a pane of glass, or other material. The upper and lower frame members Claims. (CI. 26-42) I 2 of each such frame are shaped in cross-section as is shown' to'good advantage in Fig. 2-A; that is to say, the upper frame member includes a portion 5 which extends from the inner face to the outer face of said upper frame member and has a recess 6 formed therein that extends longitudinally of said upper frame member, there also being a flange 1 which is located at the inner portion ofsaid upper frame member and projects upwardly from said portion 5. The lower frame member of each sash includes a portion 8 which extends from the inner fac to the outer face of said lower frame member and has a recess 8 formed therein that extends longitudinally of said lower frame member, said frame portion 8 being provided at its outer portion with a flange 9 which projects downwardly from said portion 8 of saidlower frame member. By referring to Figs. 4, 7, and 9 it will be noted that the opposed side members of each sash frame have a crosssectional shape which is similar to the cross-sectional shape of the lower member of the sash frame, the side members of each sash including each a portion ID from which is extended outwardly a flange l l.

Disposed for sliding movement in the channelways 2 which are formed in the opposed jamb portions of the window frame I is a pair of bars I2, said bars being only slightly shorter in length than height of the 'jamb portions of the window frame I. The upper sash 3a is pivotally supported at its opposite sides and adjacent to its top by means of pivot elements 13, it being noted that at a side of the frame of the sash 3a, said sash frame has fixed thereto by means of fastening devices M an elongated element l5, there being a similar elongated element secured to the frame of the sash So at the opposite side of said sash frame. The pivot element 53 at each side of the window frame I includes a portion l3a. of reduced diameter which is disposed in an opening formed through the related elongated element l5 and the outer end portion of this reduced portion I3 is riveted over, as indicated at l3b so as to secure said pivot element to said elongated element 15.

Mounted for pivotal movement on the pivot element [3 at each side of the window structure is a latch member l6, said latch member having an outwardly projected nose portion I60. at its upper portion and being provided at its lower portion with a notch I61). The latch member I6 is provided at its lower portion also with a forwardly extended portion H50, and the pivot element l3 at each side of the window structure projects into an opening formed through the upper 3 portion of its related latch member, the latch member being swingable about said pivot element. Each latch member I6 is arranged within a housing I! which is shaped in cross-section as is shown in Fig. 4 and is secured fixedly in place relative to the window frame by means of fastening devices I8, each of said housings having a wall [1 in which a slot I9 is formed and the related pivot element I3 being extended through the slot. Each latch member contacts, at a side face thereof, with its related bar I2, as is shown in Fig. 5, and each bar I2 is provided with a pin which extend therefrom, said pin serving a function to be hereinafter set forth. The house ing II at each side of the window structure is provided with an inclined wall portion 2I which serves as a cam that moves the lower portion of the latch member in a manner and for a purpose to be hereinafter explained.

The upper sash 3a has pivotally attached to its frame at each side thereof by a pivot element 22 anarm 23, the opposite end of said arm being piiiotall y connected by means of a pivot element 2-; to a support 25 which is fixed to the window frame by fastening devices 26 (Fig. 9), the bar I2 being adapted for sliding movement relative to said support 25. Each arm 23 has mounted thereon a pin 21 on which is rotatably supported a roller 28 that cooperates with the related member 29 in a manner and for a purpose to be hereinafter set forth. The members 29 are preferably though not necessarily, formed of sheet metal and each thereof is secured by fastening devices 39 to one of the bars I2, each member 29 comprising an outstanding, upwardly inclined flange 3I, a second outstanding, upwardly inclined flange 32, a vertical flange 33, and a bottom flange 34. It is to be noted that the fastening devices 30 are extended through slots formed through portions of the member 29, and as a result of this arrangement said member 29 may be adjusted vertically, if necessary, so as to position it in proper position for use.

The lower sash 3c is supported for inward swinging movement by a hinge 36, as is shown in Fig. 2-B, and said lower sash is provided at each side thereof with an arm 31, each of said arms being. pivotally attached at one end thereof to the frame of the lower sash 3c by means of a pivot element 38 and being pivotally attached at its opposite end to the bar I2 at the corresponding side of the window structure by means of a pivot element 39.

In the embodiment of the invention disclosed herein the intermediate sash 3b is fixedly and nonadjustably supported by the window frame I. However, it is to be understood that all of the sashes may be supported for adjustment if desired, and the sequence of operation of the sashes may bevaried so as to suit different requirements.

In describing the use of a window structure constructed in accordance with this invention, it will be assumed that the lower and upper sashes are in their closed positions, in which positions of said lower and upper sashes the bars I2 will be in elevated positions that locate the pins 20 in the raised position in which the pin 20 is shown in Fig. 2-A. If the lower sash 30 now be drawn inwardly at its top to an open position the bars I2 will be moved downwardly, the inward swinging movement to which, the lower sash is subjected being translated into downward movement of the bars I2 through the instrumentality of the arms 31. During initial movement of the lower sash 30, however, no movement is imparted to the 4 upper sash 3a because the latch members I6 are unlatched from the pins 20 and the bars I2 may move downwardly without imparting movement to said upper sash. As a result of this arrangement the lower sash may be adjusted to a partially opened position while the upper sash is maintained in a closed position. If, now, it is desired to adjust both the lower sash and the upper sash to opened positions, the inward, opening movement of the lower sash is continued and eventually the pins 20 on the downwardly moving bars I2 will contact with the extensions I60 of the latch members I 6 and as said latch members start to move downwardly with the bars I2, the rounded faces I6" thereof acting against the inclined wall portions 2| of the housings I'I will cause the latch I members Hi to swing on the pivot elements I3 so as to seat the pins 20 deep in the notches IBb of the latch members. The upper portion of the upper sash is now latched to the bars I2 by the latch members I6 and continued downward movement of the bars I2 as a result of continued inward opening movement of the lower sash will swing the lower portion of the upper sash outwardly to the open position of said upper sash.

It is important to note that when the upper sash is closed the pivot elements 22 and 24 at opposite ends of the arms 23 associated with said upper sash are approximately on dead center. However, as the bars I2 reach certain positions in their downward movement where the upper sash is, about to start its opening movement, the inclined flanges 3I of the members 29, that are fixed to the bars I2, engage the rollers 28 which are supported by the arms 23 associated with the upper sash so as to produce a camming effect that moves the upper ends. of said arms 23 outwardly a sufiicient distance to eliminate the dead center relation of the pivot elements 22 and 24 and permit the upper sash to be moved to its outward, open position. Also, when the upper sash is in its closed position the rollers 28 are in contact with faces of the vertical flanges 33 of the members.

29 whereby said upper sash is locked in such closed position.

In performing the operation of closing the upper and lower sashes of the window structure of this invention, the lower sash is movedtoward its closed position and such movement of said lower sash will subject the bars I2 to upward movement, and because the upper sash is latched to the bars I2 by cooperation of the latch members I6 and the pins 20 the upper sash will move upwardly and will be adjusted toward, its closed position. Immediately before the upper. sash reaches its upward and closed position the nose portions Ilia. of the latch members I6 contact with abutments 40 (see Fig. 6) formed on walls of the housings I1, and continued. upward movement ofv the bars I2 and the latch members I6 after this contact is made will result in the latch members being swung on their pivots I3 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 6. This will. disengag the latch members lfifrom the pins 20.0f the bars I2 and thebars may bemoved an, additionaldistance upwardly so as to permit. the lower sash to be closed. When, the latch members I6 have been disengaged from the pins 20', as explained above, the opposed arms 23 of the-upper sash have reached a position where the upper sash isclosed and where the pivot elementslZ and 2 4 of said-arms 23 are on dead center. Thus the uppersash is; maintainedinitselevated and closed position bythe arms 23;,- and said upper sash. is locked in such position because of the fact. that the rollers 28 of the pins 21 which are mounted on the arms 23 are now positioned behind the vertical flanges 33 of the members 29 so as to prevent outward movement of said arms 23.

I claim:

1. A window structure comprising a window frame, an upper sash and a lower sash associated with said window frame, said sashes being of the louvre type and being adapted for swinging adjustment to open and closed positions with respect to said window frame, a member supported for sliding movement by said window frame, an arm pivoted at one end thereof to said sliding member and at the opposite end thereof to said lower sash for connecting said sliding member and said lower sash for cooperation, a second arm pivoted at one end thereof to said upper sash and at the opposite end thereof to a fixed part of the window structure for supporting said upper sash for swinging movement, a latch member pivotally supported at an end thereof in a fixed location by said upper sash and movable into and out of latching engagement with respect to a latch-receiving element supported by said slidable able member for imparting initial movement to said second arm at the beginning of opening movement of said upper sash.

'2. A window structure comprising a window frame, an upper sash and a lower sash associated with said window frame, said sashes being of the louvre type and being adapted for swinging adjustment to open and closed positions with respect to said window frame, a member supported for sliding movement by said window frame, an arm pivoted at one end thereof to said sliding member and at the opposite end thereof to said lower sash for connecting said sliding member and said lower sash for cooperation, a second arm pivoted at one end thereof to said upper sash and at the opposite end thereof to a fixed part of the window structure for supporting said upper sash for swinging movement, a latch member pivotally supported at an end thereof in a fixed position by said upper sash and movable into and out of latching engagement with respect to a latch-receiving element supported by said slidable member, and means fixed to said slidable member and including a part having an inclined face for imparting initial movement to said second arm at the beginning of opening movement of said upper sash.

3. A window structure comprising a window frame, an upper sash and a lower sash associated with said window frame, said sashes being of the louvre type and being adapted for swinging adjustment to open and closed positions with respect to said window frame, a member supported for sliding movement by said window frame, an arm pivoted at one end thereof to said sliding member and at the opposite end thereof to said lower sash for connecting said sliding member and said lower sash for cooperation, a second arm pivoted at one end thereof to said upper sash and at the opposite end thereof to a fixed part of the window structure for supporting said upper sash for swinging movement, a latch member pivotally supported at an end thereof in a fixed location by said upper sash and movable into and out of latching engagement with respect to a latch-receiving element supported by said slidable member, and means fixed to said slidable member and including a part having an inclined face for imparting initial movement to said second arm at the beginning of opening movement of said upper member, and cam means fixed to said slidsash, the last-mentioned means including a flange which is engaged by said element supported by said second arm for locking said second arm against pivotal movement when said upper sash is in its locked position.

4. A window structure comprising a window frame, an upper sash and a lower sash associated with said window frame, said sashes being of the louvre type and being adapted for swinging adjustment to open and closed positions with respect to said window frame, a member supported for sliding movement by said window frame, an arm pivoted at one end thereof to said sliding member and at the opposite end thereof to said lower sash for connecting said sliding member and said lower sash for cooperation, a second arm pivoted at one end thereof to said upper sash and at the opposite end thereof to a fixed part of the window structure for supporting said upper sash for swinging movement, a latch member pivotally supported at an end thereof in a fixed location by said upper sash and movable into and out of latching engagement with respect to a latch-receiving element supported by said slidable member, and means fixed to said slidable member and including a part having an inclined face for imparting initial movement to said second arm at the beginning of opening movement of said upper sash, the last-mentioned means including a vertical flange which is engaged by said element supported by said second arm for looking said second arm against pivotal movement when said upper sash is in its locked position.

5. A window structure comprising a window frame, an upper sash and a lower sash associated with said window frame, said sashes being of the louvre type and being adapted for swinging adjustment to open and closed positions with respect to said window frame, a member supported for sliding movement by said window frame, an arm pivoted at one end thereof to said sliding member and at the opposite end thereof to said lower sash for connecting said sliding member and said lower sash for cooperation, a second arm pivoted at one end thereof to said upper sash and at the opposite end thereof to a fixed part of the window structure for supporting said upper sash for swinging movement, a latch member pivotally supported at an end thereof in a fixed location by said upper sash and movable into and out of latching engagement with respect to a latch-receiving element supported by said slidable member, and means fixed to said slidable member and including a part having an inclined face for imparting initial movement to said second arm at the beginning of opening movement of said upper sash, the last-mentioned means including a vertical flange which is engaged by said element suported by said second arm for locking said second arm against pivotal movement when said upper sash is in its locked position, said vertical flange having an upwardly inclined portion at the top thereof.

MICHAEL J. TRACY.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,659,103 Hauser Feb. 14, 1928 2,158,714 Wiley May 16, 1939 2,232,297 Wiley Feb, 18, 1941 2,330,533 Wiley Sept. 28, 1943 2,486,407 Hoffman Nov. 1, 1949 2,598,619 Strand May 27, 1952 

